Virat Kohli becomes the first player to record 50 international wins in each format

Team India skipper Virat Kohli became the first player to record 50 wins in each format of international cricket, following the Indian team’s triumph in the second Test against New Zealand. Kohli-led Team India wrapped up proceedings early on Day 4 of the Wankhede Test against the Black Caps, to pull off a comprehensive win by a margin of 372 runs. The hosts have now recorded their 14th consecutive Test series triumph at home, which is certainly commendable, to say the least. The margin of 372 runs further represents Team India’s biggest victory by margin of runs in the longest format of the game.

“To come back with a win is a great feeling, returning as the captain it was a clinical performance, something we’ve seen time and again. You want individuals to step up and guys did that. Even the first Test match was good, this was better. We discussed areas we could improve on, it was also a case of the opposition playing out a good draw and pitch not assisting the bowlers on day five like you expect it to. Here the pitch had a bit more, were able to create more pressure, also because there was more pace and bounce,” said Kohli as quoted by Cricinfo, following Team India’s triumph.

“All in all, the pitch at Wankhede provided the opportunity to play good cricket all around. We all are serving Indian cricket, the previous management did a terrific job, now with Rahul bhai coming in, the mindset is the same. To take Indian cricket forward,” he added.

“It was a wonderful pitch”

Ravichandran Ashwin was named as the Player of the Series, following the conclusion of the two-match Test series against New Zealand, which India won by a 1-0 margin.

“I enjoyed that pitch, spun and had a bit more bite. It was a wonderful pitch. Everytime you come to Wankhede, there’s something to look forward to. Before I get to what I did, it was wonderful from Ajaz. He put the ball in the right places, I enjoyed watching him bowl. It was destiny, I think. Jayant and I have a good relationship from 2014, when he flew down to Chennai from Haryana to pick my brains. Axar, I’ve been playing for a while at Kings and Delhi Capitals. For starters, I’d look to play a part in South Africa and finish off with a series win,” stated Ashwin.

Mayank Agarwal was named as the Player of the Match, following scores of 150 and 62 in the two innings of the Wankhede Test.

“Feels nice to be among the runs, this knock will be special for me,” he says. “Very honestly, did nothing different after Kanpur. It was about having the mental discipline. Rahul bhai told me there’s no point thinking about technique mid-series. ‘This is the technique that has got you runs, have a solid mindset, stick to your game plans, the runs will come. Sunny G told me to keep my bat low, be more side-on. I couldn’t do that early on but it helped. I wasn’t really thinking of a century in each innings, but yes definitely should’ve converted the 60. Different challenge in SA, we relish as a team,” he said.